Interventional Radiology Technologist II : Cath Lab

Interventional Radiology Technologist II (CVIT II)

The Interventional Radiology Technologist II (CVIT II) is the independent-practice level of the Medical Imaging Technologist career pathway within Albany Medical Center's Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. The position offers experienced procedural imaging professionals an opportunity to apply their existing expertise while expanding their skills within the specialized field of invasive cardiovascular care.

Cardiac catheterization experience is welcomed but is not the only pathway into the role. Experienced interventional radiology, vascular interventional radiology, and other qualified procedural imaging technologists receive cardiac-specific orientation and competency development designed to build upon their existing procedural imaging expertise. Following validation of applicable competencies, the CVIT II functions independently in core Cath Lab responsibilities including cardiovascular imaging, hemodynamic monitoring, diagnostic cardiac catheterization, routine coronary intervention, procedural equipment management, and emergency cardiovascular care.

As a high-acuity regional referral and academic medical center, Albany Med provides exposure to a diverse and complex cardiovascular patient population, including acute STEMI care, coronary intervention, structural heart procedures, mechanical circulatory support, and other advanced cardiovascular therapies. MITs work alongside experienced cardiovascular technologists, nurses, interventional cardiologists, structural heart specialists, and trainees while bringing their own expertise in imaging, radiation safety, image quality, and dose optimization to the multidisciplinary team.

For experienced imaging technologists looking to expand beyond their current procedural specialty, the CVIT II provides a pathway into advanced cardiovascular care without starting over professionally. As cardiac-specific experience and advanced procedural competencies develop, opportunities are available for continued growth and advancement within the Medical Imaging Technologist career pathway.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Functions independently in the core responsibilities of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory following validation of applicable cardiac-specific competencies. Responsibilities include cardiovascular imaging support, hemodynamic monitoring, procedural documentation, equipment and supply management, sterile technique, and procedural support during diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures.
• Technologists entering the role with prior interventional radiology, vascular interventional radiology, or other applicable procedural imaging experience receive cardiac-specific orientation and competency validation designed to build upon their existing procedural imaging expertise.
• Applies established radiologic imaging expertise within the cardiovascular environment, including angiographic positioning, image acquisition and quality, radiation dose optimization, radiation safety, and the safe use of cardiovascular imaging systems within the established scope of practice. Performs applicable independent imaging procedures, including mechanical prosthetic valve fluoroscopy, under appropriate physician supervision with physician review and approval of acquired images. Serves as a resource within the multidisciplinary team regarding radiation safety, imaging principles, image quality, and dose optimization consistent with experience and scope of practice.
• Independently performs hemodynamic monitoring using the McKesson system and maintains appropriate procedural documentation within Epic following competency validation. Recognizes and communicates relevant changes in cardiac rhythm, hemodynamic status, and patient condition within the established scope of the role.
• Demonstrates independent scrub competency for diagnostic cardiac catheterization and routine percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including the preparation, selection, and appropriate use of diagnostic and interventional equipment. Anticipates procedural needs and supports the interventional cardiologist and multidisciplinary team throughout the procedure while maintaining established standards of sterile technique and patient safety.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, coronary angiography, hemodynamics, procedural equipment, supplies, medications, and technologies routinely utilized within the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
• Performs applicable intravascular contrast-administration responsibilities only after obtaining required New York State certification and completing departmental competency validation.
• Participates in the care of high-acuity and emergent cardiovascular patients, including STEMI and other time-sensitive cardiovascular emergencies, and functions independently as a member of the emergency on-call team following completion of required departmental orientation and competency validation. Continues progressive development and exposure to advanced cardiovascular procedures and technologies, including complex coronary intervention, mechanical circulatory support, structural heart procedures, and other advanced therapies performed within the department.
• Collaborates effectively within the multidisciplinary team and serves as a resource to developing staff as experience and competency allow. Opportunities for continued advancement within the Medical Imaging Technologist career pathway are available as advanced procedural competencies and experience are achieved.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology or qualifying Medical Imaging program. - required
• One year of cardiac catheterization, interventional radiology, vascular interventional radiology, or other applicable procedural imaging experience - required
• Previous cardiac catheterization laboratory experience - preferred
• Strong understanding of radiologic imaging principles and cardiovascular anatomy
• Knowledge of fluoroscopic imaging and radiation safety practices
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to anticipate procedural needs and respond to emergent situations
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Certification must be obtained within the timeframe - required for continued New York State licensure. Upon Hire - required
• Licensed Radiologic Technologist Current New York State license/registration or eligibility for New York State licensure - required. Applicable imaging responsibilities may only be performed once appropriate New York State authorization is in place. Upon Hire - required
• NYS Contrast Injection Certification within 180 Days - required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire - required
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support within 180 Days - preferred
• ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support within 180 Days - required

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Rarely
• Lifting - Frequently
• Carrying - Frequently
• Pushing - Occasionally
• Pulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Frequently
• Kneeling - Frequently
• Crouching - Frequently
• Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Constantly
• Hazards - Frequently
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!?

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.